Introduction - Dominick

[DAV181]

Evening Rangers,

I’m 20 years old and currently a full time student at a local community college studying Business Administration and will be transferring to a University next year. Once I complete my education I have no doubt in my mind that I will join the Army and pursue an Option 40 contract. I have been contemplating joining the Army for sometime now and recently I couldn’t deny the desire to do so anymore.

No matter how much time I spent researching employment opportunities related to my field of study nothing came close to replacing the underlying desire to serve my country and I love all things business. The War on Terror rages on and I feel like its my obligation to do my fair share. I want to answer the call and serve my country like those before me have. I honestly feel that I will deeply regret not joining the military later on in life, I'm not getting any younger. Reading books like "The Generals", "Outlaw Platoon", and "Lions of Kandahar" have all instilled a great admiration for the Military.

So why the Rangers? Because Rangers never quit simple as that. It’s a lifestyle that’s truly appealing to me. If you quit its on you, no one else. There are no excuses. It’s about digging deep down and becoming a part of something greater than yourself. You leave nothing to chance and give it your all day in and day out. I am willingly put in the work in order to become a member of this close knit community.

I’m 5’10 and weigh 157 pounds. I have started visiting the gym frequently and have downloaded the Army Pocket Physical Training Guide PDF which I will follow to the letter in the up and coming weeks. I spoke with my local recruiter today and will find out sometime this week if I am eligible for service.

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Welcome to the site, Dominick.


RLTW!!!

[Jim]

Dominick, If you truly want to earn a place in the 75th Ranger Regiment, you came to the right site. We at ArmyRanger.com take a great deal of pride in the young men who pass through here on their life journey. Please tell us more about yourself. Where are you from? You have not established a PT baseline to build on, so we look forward to your posting your APFT scores within the next 72 hours. Most of the questions you might have can be addressed by using the search feature, located on the top right of this page. Please read the FAQs, as well as select stickies and threads. Never, never quit!

[DAV181]

Roger, Ranger Jim I will do so later this afternoon.

I was born and raised in South Florida and have lived here virtually all my life. I lived in the Dominican Republic during my high school years but have been back for some time now. I played soccer during my sophomore year and did well despite having never played before.

Yes there are many threads that have been very helpful. Letters from school is probably my favorite. I have been reading Silverback's Push up Improvement, AFPT Improvement and Killer Sprint work threads all of which I will incorporate into my training.

[DAV181]

I would also like to add that when I spoke to my recruiter regarding my eligibility it was straight after I found out via MRI that I have several mild bulging disks L5-S1, I asked on the Goarmy.com discussion board whether this was a DQ from enlistment and was told every applicant is different and dealt with on case-by-case basis. When speaking to my recruiter he was skeptical but informed me I could possibly apply for a waiver. The medical conclusion was:

"Multilevel diffuse disc bulges as well as focal central posterior disc protrusion at L5-S1 narrowing the central and neuroforamina as listed."

"Mild retrolisthesis of L5 with relation to S1"

"Diffusely small central canal, likely on the basis of congenitally short pedicles."

I gave the recruiter my information and a copy of my medical documents and he said we would get back to me sometime this week.

[DAV181]

My PT score results from this afternoon:

Push ups 43
Sit ups 40
2 mile run 22:16 (ran on a treadmill)
Score 102/300 Fail.
Pull ups 5

Not up to standards no excuses but this is my baseline I will build upon. I have plenty of time to prepare and will not become complacent.

[Fuego]

My PT score results from this afternoon:

Push ups 43
Sit ups 40
2 mile run 22:16 (ran on a treadmill)
Score 102/300 Fail.
Pull ups 5

Not up to standards no excuses but this is my baseline I will build upon. I have plenty of time to prepare and will not become complacent.

Your baseline is exactly that, a baseline. Every two weeks, you need to update us on your progress. Furthermore, no more runtimes on a treadmill. You need to assess yourself on the actual turf.

Hit me up when you have true APFT raw scores. You have a ways to go.

Never quit,
FUEGO

Ps- seriously, eff the treadmill

[DAV181]

Roger Ranger Fuego,

Treadmills? What are those? I will send an updated AFPT score within the time frame given.

[Jim]

Dominick, any new developments? What is your recruiter telling you about your bulging disks?

[DAV181]

Ranger Jim,

Matter of fact I'm actually going today after class to see if there has been any progress, as I have not heard from him since. But I can appreciate sending paper work back and forth could take time. I will definitely give and update upon returning home. I feel this will be an issue but one that can resolved if the proper steps are taken. Time is also on my side fortunately.

[DAV181]

Ranger Jim,

Unfortunately the recruiter office was closed when I arrived and will be closed until Tuesday due to Memorial Day. At any rate I was able to come into contact with the Center Leader and he assured me I would receive a call on Tuesday. When there is a new development I will give an update immediately.

[DAV181]

Updated APFT Score:

Push ups 45
Sit ups 35
2-Mile 21:13
Pulls ups 7

Honestly given two weeks to improve I'm not happy with these results. I did not do enough plain and simple. I must step up my game and they only way to improve is doing more push ups, more sit-ups and running more. I will definitely make adjustments and rebound. I will update tomorrow with word from my recruiter regarding my back.

[Jim]

I will update tomorrow with word from my recruiter regarding my back.

Well, what is the decision? Never, never quit!

[DAV181]

Ranger Jim,

The recruiter said if I were to enlist right now it would most likely be a DQ or temporary DQ based on the information I gave him because I have not fully healed yet even though I have no pain. Within 3 months I was diagnosed went through physical therapy and got an MRI which by that time my condition had improved greatly. According to my doctor within 6 months I could be 100%, 80%, or display no significant change at all which is not entirely in my control, this process takes time but my young age helps. My recruiter also stated a waiver is possible but again case by case. So my plan is to heal up and improve my PT scores and when its time for me to enlist get a new MRI so the MEPs doctor can compare old versus new and make his decision.

[cams]

Most importantly right now is to heal 100%, especially if it will affect your choice of placement and job. You're young, Regiment will still be here when you're ready.